Dennis "Betty" Eugene Day

If Dennis Eugene Day believed anything throughout his life, it was that anything is possible. Those who knew him also believed this when he was around, having seen all too often his ability to solve a problem. He was a highly creative person, a perpetual inventor, and he had faith in his ability to transform the simplest thing into an object of art. Dennis thoroughly enjoyed understanding how things worked, and possessed an inquisitive, confident, and rational nature matched with a versatile and agile mind. Dennis was a person who believed that he could achieve whatever he set out to do.

Some people are born with a particular talent, and for Dennis this was most likely true. When he was confronted with a difficult situation, he would not stop until it was resolved. While his family came to accept this trait in him, it never failed to surprise them at how ingenious he could be. On July 10, 1958, he first greeted the world in West Covina, California. His parents were Eugene and Hazel Day. Dennis's favorite time with his parents was when the ladies of the family would play penny poker and the men sat around talking about Fords. He grew up in the Covina, Baldwin Park and West Covina suburbs of California.

Growing up for Dennis was an involving experience. It allowed him to learn and grow and to create all kinds of memories. He was playful with a wicked and odd sense of humor. Strangely, but typical for Dennis, he liked to sleep in the rear car window as a child. One of his favorite holidays was Halloween. Growing up his mother Hazel would make homemade costumes for the entire family. As an adult, Dennis carried on this tradition with unbelievable drama and humor. He loved making costumes for his friends and would laugh freely when his costumes transformed them into the character he set out to achieve. It was a wickedly contagious laugh.

He had five siblings. Ronnie, Regina, Donna, Michael and Jerry. When a difficult situation or dilemma arose within the family, he was always there to help figure out a solution for making things work. While not everyone would always agree with the answer or resolution he would find, they knew that in most instances he could come up with a solution that was fair to all involved.

As a young boy, Dennis could be found building and inventing all sorts of new and different things. He was curious, resourceful, and interested in anything original. He received awards for Arts and Crafts, Macramé and amateur photography. Playing games with his family and cousins was a regular routine for Dennis. He always laughed when he told everyone how he would tie Jerry up and lock him in the closet. He could take it as well as he dished it out and laughs when he remembers being beat up by his sister Regina using a Hot Wheel track. But one of his best memories were the road trips to Texas with his Mom, Aunt, siblings and cousins Augie and Eddie.

Dennis was socially resourceful and expressive person who always made everyone feel comfortable. These qualities drew a wide and lively circle of friends around him. He was an amazing listener and always knew what to say to make you feel better. He gave amazing and insightful advice.

He enjoyed family activities as a child. Everyone was always up for a good game of Kickball in the streets, or volley ball and softball on the holidays.

Equipped with an appetite for new experiences, Dennis enjoyed school, especially when the learning experience involved socializing and a quick trip to watch the new mall being opened. He was also a good student and was adept at scrutinizing different possibilities and coming up with innovative solutions. He was extremely outgoing and liked by his circle of friends. He was proud of his cousin Lana for having the distinction of writing the school alma mater. Dennis was very animated and played a great father MulChay in the school production of MASH. For Dennis, the exciting and challenging possibilities of these years went beyond the classroom. Dennis was very popular and attended three proms in one year! Not just because he was quite handsome and fun to be around but also because he got to borrow his Aunt Doris’s white 65 Mustang. He graduated from Edgewood High, Baldwin Park, California.

As a young adult he was frequently sought after by friends who recognized that he was generous with his time and energy, and these same friends found Dennis to be very stimulating company. Dennis's humor and curiosity were contagious for those around him. Dennis was very active in the Baptist Youth Groups. When Dennis and his friends got together, they would hang out at Marie Calendars and Bob's Big Boy.

One major life lesson which faces every teenager is learning responsibility. For Dennis, he learned the value of hard work by following in his sister Donna’s footsteps and getting a job at Zodys.

Dennis was definitely in his element in the workplace. He was asked to take responsibility for creating and dressing the window displays for stores all over southern California. His personal initiative inspired those around him. He made some good friends in the workplace, especially Norma, Clark, Alan Blankenbaker, Mary Onion and his good friend Madeline. Rusty Krieger's pool parties were the best thanks to the free drinks.

Dennis followed his creative nature by transitioning from retail and grocery into the design industry. Probably the most unique and proudest job Dennis ever held was becoming a set decorator for Betty White. Though he never went out of his way to be in the spotlight, it naturally shined his way.

Dennis love to make unique and personal handmade gifts for friends and family. Dennis enjoyed many things throughout his life. He enjoyed eating out as well as cooking for friends and family. He loved to laugh while watching TV with friends. Some of his favorite shows were; Designing Women, Golden Girls, Dancing with the Stars, All My Children and One Life to Live. He also loved the summer time. He stayed very active and loved the outdoors.

Dennis's faith was important to him. Dennis was spiritual and lived by example. He was always the first to help, and the last to ask for help. He was compassionate and warmhearted, someone who truly cared for others; these qualities that were truly strengthened by his faith.

Dennis Day left us on May 22, 2011. He passed away in his home. He was 52 years old. He is survived by some of his brothers, brother-in-laws, sisters, sister-in-laws, nieces, nephews, and great nephews. Services were handled by Custer Christiansen Funeral Home.

During his lifetime, nothing appeared impossible to Dennis. The statement "it can't be done" was simply not an option for him. He was able to recognize the possibilities a new idea held, even when those around him could not. For him, the traditional way of doing things fell short of his expectations, especially if there were original and untested methods for overcoming an obstacle. For Dennis Eugene Day, the fun of living his life could be found in the challenge.